DOZENS of teenagers are putting their best foot forward tonight as they take to the stage at The Gala Theatre in Durham.

The dancers, who are all pupils from Sedgefield Community College, have spent weeks rehearsing for the annual dance festival, which culminates this evening.

The group of 63 pupils include a team of male dancers who were recently invited to perform at Dance City in Newcastle.

Stacey Arrowsmith, dance teacher at Sedgefield Community College, said: “The kids have all worked really hard and we are so proud of them.

“Only two pupils out of the 63 dance outside of school, many of them haven’t performed in front of an audience before so it’s a big deal for them.

“They will be performing three separate pieces, the boys are doing a very physical contemporary piece, and then we also have a lyrical piece and a more commercial piece.

“They’ve been rehearsing all day today and they’ve had the opportunity to practise in a professional environment which is all great experience for them."

The festival has been running for six years and is organised by Norah Loftus, who encourages primary and secondary schools to take part in dance.